McDonald's raises its dividend by 5 pct

[September 19, 2013]  OAK BROOK (AP) -- McDonald's is raising its quarterly cash dividend by 5 percent, bringing its fourth-quarter payout to more than $800 million.

The world's largest hamburger chain says its quarterly dividend increases to 81 cents from 77 cents, for an annual total of $3.24 per share. It will make the next payout on Dec. 16 to shareholders of record at Dec. 2. McDonald's Corp. expects to return between $4.5 billion and $5 billion to its shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases in 2013.

McDonald's has raised its dividend every year since making its first payout in 1976. In July, the Oakbrook, Ill., company reported a 4 percent rise in second-quarter profit but missed expectations and warned of a tough year ahead, given heightened competition and rough economic conditions around the world.

McDonald's shares rose 78 cents to close at $98.70.

[Associated Press]

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